How can I change the video quality (bitrate) on my BBC iPlayer iPad app?

By default BBC iPlayer TV programmes are streamed to your device at a high quality rate of 1500kbps (1.5 meg).

You can reduce the video quality from high to standard 800kbps quality video by tapping on the "HQ" option from the media player controls during live or on-demand TV playback. This will play a reduced bitrate video that can be used if your internet connection is not fast enough to play the high quality video.

You may also want to try again later as network traffic can vary depending on the time of day.

To enjoy high quality, uninterrupted programme playback you'll need an internet connection that delivers at least 2Mbps of sustained bandwidth for standard definition (SD) content, and at least 3Mbps of sustained bandwidth for high quality (HQ)content.

We recommend that you check with your internet service provider (ISP) if you have a download limit or cap (usually measured in GB), as high iPlayer usage may incur additional costs from your ISP, particularly if watching the high quality streams.

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